HSE figures for 2012 show that first time mothers in Irish hospitals are likely to have surgical interventions during childbirth.
The new data from 19 public maternity units was released on foot of a Freedom of Information request by the maternity choice group AIMS.
It shows that a high percentage of new mothers undergo assisted deliveries, episitomies and caesarean sections - with four out of ten first time mothers in St. Lukes in Kilkenny delivering by C-Section.
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According to AIMS, there's a lack of support for women who are hoping to avoid intervention during child birth.
Krysia Lynch is spokesperson for AIMS Ireland:
